suasoriae

Suasoriae are a genre of ancient Roman rhetorical exercises. They present a historical or hypothetical situation to a speaker, who must then argue for a particular course of action. The goal of a suasoria is to persuade a prince or ruler to make a specific decision. These exercises were part of the rhetorical training curriculum, designed to develop persuasive speaking skills, logical reasoning, and knowledge of history and ethics. The term itself comes from the Latin verb "suadere," meaning to advise or persuade. Typical examples of suasoriae involve advising a historical figure on a significant decision, such as Alexander the Great on whether to sail around the world or Cato the Younger on whether to join Caesar's opposition. The speaker would analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option, drawing upon historical precedent, moral arguments, and appeals to the character of the advisor. While they were primarily pedagogical tools, suasoriae also reflected the Roman emphasis on civic duty, leadership, and the power of rhetoric in shaping public and political life. They were a fundamental component in the education of Roman elites.